Lifesaver Chantelle honoured with award

Lifesaver Chantelle honoured with award

11 December 2013

A KILLYLEAGH teenager who saved her mum’s life after she slipped into a diabetic coma has been recognised with a UK-wide award.

Chantelle McCullough has been crowned the ‘Family Hero’ for Northern Ireland at the recent 4Children and Take a Break Magazine awards.

The awards aim to recognise the selfless people going that extra mile every day to make life better for other people.

Sinead McCullough, Chantelle’s mother, is an insulin dependent diabetic, and nominated her daughter for the award.

Since early childhood the 14 year-old has helped to ensure Sinead’s well-being without complaint, and at three years-of-age she already knew to dial 999 if her mother became unwell.

Growing up Chantelle learned more caring tasks such as checking bloods, keeping blood sugar levels stable and how to put someone in the recovery position.

She also helps her mum, who suffers from other disabilities, with daily tasks such as showering, getting dressed and caring for her younger brother.

Sinead said that one day she fell into a diabetic coma after Chantelle had decided she would rather stay at home with her than go to a friend’s sleep-over. It meant the teenager was on hand to contact the emergency services when she saw her mother was unwell.

“Instead of learning her ABCs for play school Chantelle was learning how to ring 999,” she said.

“While her friends were out having fun, she worried about me. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be here now.

“Chantelle is a hero because she’s done everything for me from the age of three and she’s still come out on top.”

Playing down the praise, Chantelle said she didn’t really need to go out with all my friends all the time.

“I was just happy staying in and making sure mum was fine,” she said. “I think it’s just what anyone would do.

“My mum thinks it’s extraordinary but I don’t see it. I have to keep reassuring her that I’m perfectly fine with staying home. As long as she’s happy, I’m happy.”

Chantelle was one of 12 UK regional winners who received their awards at a black tie gala dinner in London hosted by Magic FM DJ Neil Fox and TV and radio presenter Emma Forbes.

“Chantelle is one of those incredible people whose selfless actions have been worth their weight in gold to others,” Emma said at the event.

“I’m delighted to be part of these awards which give family heroes like Chantelle the recognition they truly deserve.”

Anne Longfield, chief executive of 4Children, added: “This award celebrates Chantelle’s inspiring courage and determination, which have helped her family through illness and tremendous hardship. Her bravery shows there is always reason for hope and optimism.

“There is so much unrecognised good work out there, from people who do so much for others against all odds, and the inspiring winners of the Family Heroes Awards remind us how important it is for us all to do our utmost to make a difference in our communities.”